Heathrow Christian Academy - at Markham Woods Presbyterian Church - Amazon S3
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Heathrow Christian Academy
at
Markham Woods Presbyterian Church
2021-2022 Parent Handbook
5210 Markham Woods Road
Lake Mary, Florida 32746
(407) 333-2045
Fax (407) 333-3202
Email: hca@hcamwpc.org
www.mwpcusa.org
Florida Department of Children and Families
License Number C18SE0053
Cheryl A. Beck, School Director
1
Calendar 2021-2022 (Tentative)
August 9 – Open House 2’s, MWF 3’s, 4 Day/3’s, Kindergarten
August 10 - First Full Day of class for Kindergarten, Open House 2’s, TTh 3’s
August 10 - Before Care Begins
August 11 - First Day for Wed 2’s, MWF 3’s, 4 Day/3’s
August 12 – First Day for Thurs 2’s, TTh 3’s
August 13 – First Day for Friday 2’s
August 18 - Open House at 10 a.m. for VPK Classes
August 19 – First Day for VPK Classes
August 16 – First full week of school for 2’s, 3’s, Kindergarten & Extended Day Begins
September 6 - School Closed (Labor Day)
October 8 - School Closed
November 22 - 26 School Closed (Thanksgiving Break)
December 18 - January 4 School Closed (Christmas Break)
January 5 - Classes Resume
January 17 - School Closed (Martin Luther King Day)
February 21 - School Closed (Presidents Day)
March 14-21 - School Closed (Spring Break)
May 13 – Last Day Fri 2’s (Both Classes) and Last SMART Friday
May 16 – Last Day Mon 2’s
May 17 - Last Day Tues 2’s, TTh 3’s
May 18 - Last Day Wed 2’s, MWF 3’s, 4 Day/3’s
May 19 - VPK Graduation 9:30 a.m. with reception
May 23 - Kindergarten Graduation Day 9:30 a.m. with reception
May 24 & 25- Kindergarten Early Release Days at 1 p.m.
*Parents please note: Heathrow Christian Academy at Markham Woods Presbyterian
Church follows the Seminole County Public School System
calendar and closes for summer break.
2Welcome from Miss Cheryl
Dear Parents,
For some of you, this may be your child’s first school experience. You and your child may
be feeling excited, curious, or perhaps a little apprehensive. All of these feelings are
normal, and together we can work to create a positive school experience for everyone.
For those children and parents whom I have had the privilege to meet and know, I am
looking forward to another fun year. For those of you who are new, I am delighted that you
have chosen our school and will try in every way to make your child’s experiences at HCA
be great ones.
Parents are encouraged to become involved in their child’s school experiences. Visits to
school and meetings with teachers are encouraged and may be scheduled at the parent’s
request.
I hope you will find this handbook answers many of your questions about our school.
Undoubtedly, you will have others. I welcome both your questions and comments. Please
feel free to contact me anytime.
Sincerely,
Cheryl A. Beck
Cheryl A. Beck
Director
Heathrow Christian Academy
Mission
Our mission at Heathrow Christian Academy at Markham
Woods Presbyterian Church is to provide a Christian based
early childhood learning and development program to the
children and families of our church and community.
3Non-Discrimination
Heathrow Christian Academy at Markham Woods Presbyterian Church (HCA) is committed to providing all
students with a safe and supportive school environment. Members of the school community are expected to
treat others with respect. Teachers and other staff members are expected to demonstrate by example that all
members of the community are entitled to respect.
HCA is a Christian school. Faith is not a factor in the admission process at HCA, but the school program
includes chapel attendance and prayer. HCA does not discriminate against students or families of any race,
color, age, disability, gender, religion, national and ethnic origin, or by any basis prohibited by law.
We seek to recognize, appreciate, and respect the uniqueness of each child and their family.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality plays a vital role in promoting respect for every individual and fostering a strong community.
Heathrow Christian Academy (HCA) takes confidentiality very seriously and makes every effort to protect
each family’s privacy. Communications among staff and parents about children should be kept confidential at
all times. HCA recommends that conversations about a child, behavior, or incident should be conducted in
private, away from the child and other members of the HCA community. Discussions in the hallways should
be kept to a minimum. If a parent has a question or concern, we suggest that this parent first contact the
teacher via email or in person to arrange a time to discuss.
Accreditation
Heathrow Christian Academy at Markham Woods Presbyterian Church is accredited
by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)—the
world's largest organization working on behalf of young children.
NAEYC Accreditation is a rigorous and transformative quality-improvement system
that uses a set of 10 research-based standards to collaborate with early education
programs to recognize and drive quality-improvement in high-quality early learning
environments. Less than 10 percent of all childcare centers, preschools, and
kindergartens nationally achieve this recognition.
To earn NAEYC Accreditation, HCA went through an extensive self-study and quality-improvement process,
followed by an on-site visit by NAEYC Assessors to verify and ensure that the program met each of the ten
program standards, and hundreds of corresponding individual criteria. NAEYC-accredited programs are
always prepared for unannounced quality-assurance visits during their accreditation term which lasts for five
years.
HCA’s quest for accreditation began in 2010 when the school was still called Markham Woods Presbyterian
Preschool. At that time, classes were held in a triple-wide trailer and one room in the church. The
construction of the education building in 2013 paved the way for growth and was designed with NAEYC
Accreditation requirements in mind. Since then, HCA has grown tremendously into the exceptional early
education program it is today. Through the last eight years, HCA has added a Kindergarten program, extra
classes for all age groups, ”SMART” Fridays and extended after-hours care.
Thank you to the current and former staff that worked very hard throughout the years to make the program
what it is today.
4Curriculum
Heathrow Christian Academy currently uses the Creative Curriculum. Creative Curriculum guides
teachers in fostering positive responses to Erik Erikson’s stages of socio-emotional development.
Children learn to trust others, gain independence and self-control, and to take initiative and assert
themselves in socially acceptable ways. Teachers help children feel safe and encourage them to explore
both new materials and new relationships with peers and adults. The curriculum will encourage
enthusiasm for learning, promote a positive self-image, emphasize the love of God, and affirm HCA’s
commitment of nurturing the students and their families. The Creative Curriculum for Preschool and
Kindergarten provides teachers with a clear and concrete way to apply child development and learning
theories to their everyday work with preschool children. Its underlying philosophy draws from widely
accepted research and theories of child development and learning.
Teachers using The Creative Curriculum for Preschool and Kindergarten are able to meet the needs of
children with a broad range of abilities. Children with different learning styles and needs are able to
function together in a well-organized environment. The Creative Curriculum® Developmental Continuum
helps teachers focus on the sequence of the development of skills and learning to help all children grow
and develop.
With an understanding of content and how children learn it, teachers can expand the opportunities they
offer children to acquire knowledge and understand concepts. They can make a direct link between the
preschool curriculum and what children will learn in elementary school. When the content of the
curriculum is taught with children's development in mind, children are more likely to be successful
learners who feel excited about and challenged by what they are learning.
A weekly chapel is held for ages 3 through Kindergarten, which includes Bible story lessons, songs, and
prayer. Daily prayer times are conducted before snacks and lunch.
Supplemental Curriculums:
• Healthy Habits for Life Curriculum developed by Nemours Children’s Hospital
• Handwriting Without Tears
• Conscious Discipline
• Growing UP Wild!
• VPK Standards as set forth by the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE)
• Next Generation Sunshine Standards as set forth by the FLDOE
Assessments
An assessment plan is consistent with HCA’s program philosophy and goals. The assessment is
comprehensive and intended to provide information across all developmental domains. Assessments are
conducted in settings that are familiar and comfortable for children and conducted by teaching staff they
know and trust. Assessments are completed at least twice per year. One within 45 days of the first date
of attendance and one within the last 45 days of attendance of the school year. Student assessment
information as well as other personal information is to be kept private between HCA teaching staff and
parent/guardian of student. Assessments are kept in the student’s file in the school administration office.
5Class Information and Fees
Kindergarten
Program Monday - Friday
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Age Requirement Must be 5 years of age by September 1 of the current year
(Copy of birth certificate required)
Class Size Maximum 18 students with 2 teachers
Registration Fee $200
Tuition $5,000 per year, payable in 10 installments of $500, due the tenth of each month
Four-Year-Old Class
Program Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten: Monday -Thursday
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Age Requirement Must be 4 years of age by September 1 of the current year
(Copy of birth certificate required, now includes special exception for 5 year olds)
Class Size Maximum 16 students with 2 teachers in two classrooms and a maximum of
10 students with 2 teachers in the third classroom
Tuition VPK Funding – State of Florida
Three-Year-Old Classes - (must be fully toilet trained)
Program One Two days per week - Tuesday and Thursday -Tuition $350
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Program Two Three days per week – Monday, Wednesday and Friday-Tuition $395
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Program Three Four days per week - Monday through Thursday - Tuition $425
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Age Requirement Must be 3 years of age by September 1 of the current year
(Copy of birth certificate required)
Class Size Maximum of 15 students with 2 teachers
Registration Fee $200
Tuition $4,250, $3,950 or $3,500 per year, payable in 10 installments of $425, $395 or
$350, due the tenth of each month
Extended Day Hours: Monday through Friday is available ranging in cost from $10 per hour to a full
semester rate, depending on the age and attendance days of the individual child. Extended hours include our
“SMART” Fridays program with a focus on: Science, Math, Art, Reading and Technology. Please see HCA
office staff for more details. Includes early drop off beginning at 8 a.m. and extended day until 2 p.m. We
offer hourly extended times at a rate of $10.00 per hour.
Families who wish to prepay the entire tuition for the year or by the semester, will receive a 5% discount.
A $25 late fee will be assessed after the 10th of each month. There is a $35 charge for returned checks.
6Two-Year-Old Classes
Program #1 Two Year Class
Program Up to two days per week - Tuition $150 per days of attendance
Days Monday through Friday (Pick up to any two days)
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
Age Requirements Must be 2 years of age by September 1 of the current year
(Copy of birth certificate required)
Class size Maximum of 12 students with 3 teachers
Registration Fee $200
Tuition $1,500 per year, payable in 10 installments of $150,
due the tenth of each month
Program #2 Older-Two’s Class
Program One Day per week
Day Friday
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Children who will be 3 years of age before December 31 of the current year
Class size Maximum of 12 students with 2 teachers
Registration Fee $200
Tuition $1,500 per year, payable in 10 installments of $150,
due the tenth of each month
Families who wish to prepay the entire tuition for the year or by the semester, will receive a 5% discount.
A $25 late fee will be assessed after the 10th of each month. There is a $35 charge for returned checks.
Lunch Bunch: Monday through Friday Two-Year Program #1
Time: 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. $10 per hour and per day
7Enrollment Policies for 2021-2022 school year
Members of Markham Woods Presbyterian Church and parents of students currently enrolled in our school
program will be allowed to register during priority registration. All other children will be permitted to enroll
during open enrollment. The enrollment schedule is as follows:
January 19, 2021 Kindergarten Registration for currently enrolled students
January 25, 2021 Registration for church members begins.
Registration for currently enrolled students begins.
February 1, 2021 Open enrollment for all students.
If space does not allow for a child to become enrolled, a waiting list will be maintained.
Parents may terminate their child’s enrollment by providing 30 days written notice, to the school. If 30 days
written notice is not provided, registration fees and tuition payments are non-refundable.
DCF polices require Heathrow Christian Academy at Markham Woods Presbyterian Church to inform parents
not all children in care have current immunizations. Parents must provide a current DH680 (or DH681
Religious Exemption) within 30 days of the first date of attendance.
Heathrow Christian Academy at Markham Woods Presbyterian Church may terminate a child’s enrollment
under any of the following situations:
• Failure to pay fees.
• Required health/immunization information not provided within the time frame dictated by
Department of Children and Families.
• The administration and teachers feel that further attendance is not in the best interest of
the child or the class.
Daily Routine
The children begin the school year with a lead teacher and a teacher’s assistant. These two staff members
are assigned to this class for the entire school year. The children assigned to a classroom will remain with
this assigned group for the entire school year.
This policy is so children will have the opportunity to build relationships with their friends. They will also have
the opportunity to strengthen their feelings of safety and security by having the opportunity to get to know the
adults in the classroom.
The adults in the classroom have the opportunity to get to know the student and to build lesson plans that will
meet the specific needs of the child.
Daily schedules incorporate the following activities:
• Center Time – Children choose an activity from various areas including
blocks, manipulative, dramatic play, creative, literature, and computer.
• Circle Time – Large group time for stories, finger plays, songs, and felt board activities, etc.
• Restroom Break – Time provided for the entire class to use the restroom,
although children are free to use the restroom individually as needed.
• Snack Time – Class snacks are served. This time also incorporates prayer, manners, and
hygiene.
• Outside Activity – Time for children to play alone or in groups on the playground. Emphasizes
gross motor skills.
• Special Time – Art, music, movement, or other special large group activities.
• For classes that dismiss at 1pm or later, children will have lunch at school. Parents should pack
a nutritious lunch and drink in an insulated lunch box/container and include an ice pack.
The order and duration of each activity may vary. Schedules are posted in individual classrooms.
8Special Events
Chapel with the Pastor is held once each week for students age 3 through Kindergarten. Field trips and
Community Helper visits are scheduled throughout the year.
Classroom Snacks
Parents will be charged a $50 snack fee per semester. The snack fee will be used to purchase paper plates,
utensils, gallon waters and a variety of the following snacks.
Preferred snacks include, but are not limited to:
• Crackers * Bananas
• Pretzels * Bagels & Cream Cheese
• Raisins * Cheese Slices
• Apples * Yogurt
• Melons * Carrot sticks & dip
Birthday snacks – Parents often like to provide birthday treats. We have found that most children do not
enjoy cupcakes with mounds of icing. Most of the children prefer muffins or decorated cookies. Please bring
this type of treat for birthday celebrations and make prior arrangements with the teacher.
Transition from Home to School
Take time to talk to your child about this new experience ahead of time.
Visit our school. This will give you both an opportunity to talk with the teachers and become familiar with the
setting. Give your child opportunities to be away from home and parents for short periods of time, such as at
a friend’s home. When you drop your child off each day, tell him or her that you are leaving, and assure your
child that you will be back
9Custody Issues
Families going through a divorce are required to provide Heathrow Christian Academy with a copy of the
custody arrangement regarding dismissal of the child(ren) involved in the custody arrangements. It is the
legal obligation of Heathrow Christian Academy to follow a directive set forth by the court system
regarding parental custody.
If a court order exists which established legal guardianship and prevents or limits either one or both legal
parent or guardian from visitation of a child, a copy of such order must be on file in the HCA office. This
information should also be noted on your child’s registration form.
During any custody disputes, before legal action is taken, any changes made to the existing guardianship
agreement must be in the form of a written agreement with both parents agreeing to the changes and filed
in the school’s front office. This also pertains to any information on the current student’s registration form.
If both parents are not in agreement or there are ANY disputes on school property, BOTH parents will be
asked to attend a mediation/resolution session with the HCA Director, the Church’s Pastoral Staff member
and/or an advisory board member in attendance. Legal representation is not necessary but is allowed.
If a second incident occurs on school property, it will then be up to the HCA advisory board as to whether
the family will be allowed to continue attending the school.
Discipline Policy
Children are egocentric beings. They are only beginning to understand that others have rights and
feelings, which they should respect. At Heathrow Christian Academy it is our objective to guide our
students as they work to gain empathy for others and develop self-discipline. Positive behaviors
exhibited by the children are recognized and praised. Rules are designed to protect and show respect for
each child and adult, as well as for personal and school property. These rules are stated in positive
terms.
Examples: We walk in the classroom.
We keep our hands to ourselves.
We use quiet voices.
Duplicate materials are available to promote cooperation. When frustrations build, teachers assist the
children to find words to express their feelings and to work out differences. Teachers redirect the children
to alternate activities when needed. A child is removed from a situation where he/she intentionally acts in
a manner which could harm him/herself or others. Children are permitted to rejoin the group as soon as
they have gained control of their emotions.
Corporal punishment is prohibited.
10Acts of Aggression
Acts of Aggression by Children
The permanent dismissal of a child from Heathrow Christian Academy will take place if he/she poses
any threats to the other children or staff members in the room. If a child is continuously biting, punching,
kicking, or hurting other children or staff members, or others repeatedly and we have used all our
behavior management techniques and all our capabilities to help the child; if he/she is still biting and
hurting others, the child will be dismissed from the school.
If a child refuses to follow the rules in the classroom, and the rules of the school, causing a threat to
his/her own safety and the safety of others, the child will be dismissed from the school.
It is our responsibility to care for your children, look out for their best interests and protect them from any
dangerous situations. Please help us by working as a team and enforcing these rules and regulations
at Heathrow Christian Academy. We are all striving to make a better place for our children.
Acts of Aggression by Adults
The permanent dismissal of a child(ren) from Heathrow Christian Academy will take place if the parents or
guardians pose any threats to the other children or staff members of the school. Parents going through
divorce or other extreme situations will be offered counseling through the ministry staff of Markham
Woods Presbyterian Church as a means of diffusing difficult situations.
11Arrival and Dismissal Procedures
Arrival
Children should arrive between 8:55 a.m. and 9:10 a.m. There are planned activities for the three or four
hours of class time and tardiness disrupts the class schedule. Parents are welcome to spend a few
minutes helping their child feel comfortable before saying their good-byes. The outside front doors are
locked at 9:10 a.m.
Parents and/or guardians are required to sign the child in every morning with a complete signature. In the
event someone other than a parent will be picking up the child that afternoon, please make a notation on
the sign-in sheet and inform the teacher.
Daily Attendance: If a child does not arrive to the program or the agreed upon designated pick-up
location, child care personnel must communicate as early as possible (within one hour of the child’s
scheduled arrival) with the custodial parent/legal guardian; if there was no prior communication from the
custodial parent/legal guardian of the child’s absence. If childcare personnel are unable to reach the
child’s parent/guardian, emergency contacts must be notified. (DCF Sections 402.26-402.319, Florida
Statutes, and incorporated by reference in rule 65C-22.001, Florida Administrative Code.)
Email the school office: hca@hcamwpc.org to report a child’s absence from class.
Arrival/Dismissal and Parking Lot Information
Parents are asked to drive at 5 MPH on church property and slowly in the parking area. The safety of our
children and families is very important. There are no excuses for speeding if you are arriving late. During
arrival, the parents park and walk their child to class. During dismissal, the cars will line up along the front
of the school. The cars will wind through the front church parking lot as to not block Markham Woods
Road. To expedite departure, sign your child out with a complete signature and time.
Two-year old classes are dismissed at 12 noon. Three year old and four year old classes are dismissed
at 1 p.m. Children should be picked up promptly, as a parent’s tardiness is often upsetting to the child
and teachers often schedule meetings and appointments after school. Tardy fees will be assessed for
habitual tardiness. A parent who arrives more than 20 minutes late will be charged late fees as follows:
1-2 incidences of tardiness No Charge
3 or more incidences of tardiness $25 fee if 1 to 10 minutes late
$35 fee if 11 to 20 minutes late
$50 fee if more than 20 minutes late
To expedite departure, we ask that each parent remain near his or her car. We will escort each child to
the car and ask you to sign your child out with a complete signature. Parents or guardians are also asked
to not pull out of the car line during dismissal but wait until the car ahead of you moves.
Alternate Dismissal
Occasionally, there are special events at the church which occur during our school day. Sometimes
these events take place in or near Anderson Hall. If one of these occasions arises, parents will be
notified in advance of the alternate dismissal procedure.
12Clothes and Equipment
Children’s Clothing
Young children like to be independent. In school, it is best to avoid clothing that requires a lot of
assistance. One-piece jumpsuits, pants with suspenders, belts, and clothing with difficult snaps and
buckles are often frustrating for the children. Please avoid this type of clothing for school.
Make sure your child always dresses appropriately for the weather. Except during rainy weather, we go
outside every day. Children enjoy playing outside in the chilly weather when they are dressed warmly.
Also remember that your child will be participating in a range of activities and dress accordingly. Please
avoid “Sunday Best” clothes for school. We paint frequently and want to create without fear.
Carefully consider your child’s footwear. Sneakers are best for school. The soles of these shoes provide
traction for running and climbing outside. For your child’s comfort, sandals and open shoes (like Crocs)
should be avoided, and please have your child wear socks.
Spills sometimes happen, and children who never have potty accidents at home may have an accident in
a new situation. If an accident does occur, we will help your child to quickly change into fresh clothes and
rejoin the group.
It is age appropriate for 3-year-olds to be fully toilet trained. Children that have not acquired this
developmental milestone will not be prepared to meet the expectations of the 3-year-old classroom. This
policy may not apply to children with Differing Abilities as identified by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Toys
Please do not allow your child to bring toys or other personal items to school. We have found that when
one child brings a toy to school, the other children also want to play with that toy and problems arise. The
school furnishes a full range of toys and educational devices for the children to play with at the
appropriate times.
13Health and Safety
Every effort is made to insure the health and safety of your child. If an accident should occur at school,
the parents of the child will be notified immediately. If contact cannot be made with a parent, the school
will attempt to contact the people indicated on the child’s registration form. If none of the above people
can be contacted, the school will contact your child’s physician and/or call an ambulance as necessary.
Parents are responsible for the cost of any medical or emergency treatment.
A medical record is maintained for each child. Children are required to submit a physician’s certificate of
good health at the time of admission. Department of Children and Families health screening forms, which
are good for two years, are due within thirty calendar days of the first day of attendance. Documentation
of the child’s inoculations is also required.
For the protection of all the children, and in compliance with Department of Children and Families
regulations, a child should be kept home if he or she exhibits any of the following symptoms:
• A temperature of 100 degrees or higher
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• An undiagnosed rash
• Sore or discharging eyes
• Profuse nasal discharge
A child who develops any of the above symptoms while at school will be isolated from the other children
and parents will be contacted to take the child home. A child must be free from fever for 24 hours, without
medication, before returning to school.
A child who has contracted whooping cough, German measles, measles, impetigo, chicken pox,
diphtheria, pinworms, head lice, scarlet fever, shigella, or any other contagious condition, is not permitted
to attend school until the potential of spreading the infection or infestation has subsided. The teacher
should be notified as soon as possible if your child has contracted, or become exposed to, any of the
above conditions. If there is a possibility that the children of the preschool have been exposed to a
contagious condition, all parents will be notified, in compliance with Department of Children and Families
regulations.
The school staff is not authorized to administer any type of medication, except EPI-Pens in emergency
situations. School staff will call 911 when an EPI-Pen is administered. Please keep your child home if he
or she requires the administration of medication during school hours.
Severe Weather Policy
When the National Weather Service provides advanced warning of severe weather, parents will be
notified that the school will close. If severe weather should develop while school is in session, weather
safety procedures will be followed. If Seminole County schools are closed, we are also closed. You can
find updated information on the Heathrow Christian Academy Facebook page.
14Play - The Foundation of Learning
Blocks
Social Development –Children gain skills as they negotiate for materials and cooperate to build
structures.
Physical Development – Children use their muscles to carry and hand eye coordination to
carefully balance blocks.
Cognitive Development – As children recreate their world with blocks, they learn about size,
shape, numbers, order, area, length, width, patterns, and weight.
Language Development – Children increase their vocabularies when teachers interact to help
them describe their constructions.
Dramatic Play
Social Development – Children recreate life experiences and, by assuming roles, they take
control of their feelings. Children who engage in dramatic play show more impulse control, and
ability to cooperate.
Physical Development – When children button and snap in “Dress Up”,
they are improving hand eye coordination. (Developing pre-writing skills)
Cognitive Skills – Imagination, fostered by dramatic play, aids in children’s problem-solving
skills.
Language Skills – In dramatic play, children practice asking and answering questions, and when
provided with literacy props, they explore reading and writing.
Table Toys – includes manipulatives, puzzles, matching games, sorting boards, nesting toys etc.
Social Development – Children develop confidence when completing a task, such as a puzzle.
Physical Development – With table toys, eye hand coordination and small muscle skills are
refined.
Cognitive Development - When using these materials, children expand problem-solving skills
and emerging math skills (counting, seriation, matching, patterning, classification) are fostered.
Language Development – Children begin to develop skills in left to right progression. They may
play with magnetic letters or letter blocks and begin letter recognition. (Children usually
recognize the first letter of their name first.)
Music and Movement
Social Development - The shared nature of music activities helps children feel that they are part
of the group. Playing music games requires cooperation (Ring Around the Rosie). Lively music
evokes happiness and quiet soothing music can calm children.
Physical Development – Through music activities, children improve balance and coordination.
Cognitive Development – Children create patterns with words they sing. They learn about
number concepts as they clap or stomp.
Language Development – As children notice changes in pitch and tempo, they refine their
listening skills. They practice following directions.
15Outdoor Play
Social Development – Social skills develop as children share equipment, work together and
follow safety rules.
Physical Development – Large muscle activity is essential to healthy development and to
combat the growing problem of childhood obesity. Children improve gross motor skills as they
run, jump, swing, climb and slide.
Cognitive Development – Children study bugs, plants, seeds, rain and mud puddles. Outdoors
is perfect for science observations.
Language Development – Some children who are shy in the classroom find their voices in the
openness of the outdoors.
Art
Social Development – Children express feelings through art that they cannot yet express in
words.
Physical Development – Art is all about fine motor skills. Holding a crayon or paintbrush,
tearing or cutting, all prepare children for writing.
Cognitive Development – In art children experiment with color, line, shape and size. As they
make choices they learn about cause and effect, red and yellow make orange, but add other
colors and you may make brown! At first many creations are brown.
Language Development – If teachers write down what children say about their artwork, children
begin to connect speech with written word.
Library
Social Development – Through books, children learn how other people are like them and how
they are different. This is the beginning of empathy.
Physical Development – Eye muscles are refined as children study illustrations and follow left to
right, top to bottom, which follows the progression of print.
Cognitive Development – When reading books, children learn to make predictions (“What do
you think will happen next?”) and understand cause and effect (The pig’s straw house fell
because the wolf blew it down). They learn about sequence as they relate the events of the story
in order.
Language Development – Children develop phonological awareness when they explore the
sounds and rhythms of language in books. The love of books is a powerful incentive for children
to become readers and lifelong learners.
Sand and Water Play
Social Development – It has been documented that these materials can calm an agitated child.
Physical Development – Children strengthen muscles and refine eye hand coordination as they
pour water through a funnel, sift sand through a sieve, or squeeze a baster full of water.
Cognitive Development – Sand and water are companions of scientific exploration and
discovery for children. With sand and water, children learn about volume and capacity. They
compare, classify, measure and problem solve.
Language Development – The group nature of sand and water play leads to conversation and
expanded vocabulary.
16Kindergarten Overview
Our program includes:
Near 2013-2014
The progression from Pre-Kindergarten to Kindergarten can be an exciting time in a child's life. Our
goal is to help prepare your child for first grade and ensure their success in the future. We are
dedicated to planning and preparing activities, in a Christian environment, that will build your child’s
confidence in their abilities, while providing love and acceptance so they can be comfortable to
explore their vast potential. We invite you to celebrate the wonder and excitement of this special
time in your child’s life at Heathrow Christian Academy.
Our Kindergarten curriculum includes:
• Group activities that develop social skills, such as sharing, listening, patience and
co-operation.
• Thematic units that present a large array of exciting topics for children to discover.
• Small group learning activities that promote skill development in the areas of letters,
numbers, vocabulary and children’s individual educational needs.
• Experiences in the world of science in an outside learning environment.
• Opportunities for independent learning through hands-on experiences in classroom
learning centers.
• Daily living skill development through daily routines and activities.
• Introduction of Spanish and sign language.
• Self-expression through the arts and music.
• A word-rich environment that includes an appreciation for literature and reading.
Room guidelines:
• Age range: Must be 5 years old by September 1 of the current school year.
• Classroom size: Minimum 7 with a Maximum of 18 students.
• Number of staff: One lead teacher with an assistant.
Curriculums used daily in the classroom:
• Handwriting Without Tears: The new K–4 editions align with the Florida State Standards
to deliver improved writing performance, academic success, and improved student self-
esteem.
• Growing Up Wild: An education program that builds on children’s sense of wonder about
nature and invites them to explore wildlife and the world around them.
• Conscious Discipline: Conscious Discipline empowers adults to consciously respond to
daily conflict, transforming it into an opportunity to teach critical life skills to children.
• Go Math!: Science Fusion and Star Fall curriculums
17Heathrow Christian Academy
at
Markham Woods Presbyterian Church
To register your child for classes you will need:
1. Registration form – complete, sign and date both front and back
of form
2. Registration fees – Note registration fees are non-refundable. Not applicable
to VPK students
3. Student Health Examinations – This form is available from your physician
Florida Certification of Immunization – This form is also available from your
physician
Both health forms are due when school begins. Please contact your doctor
early to schedule an appointment. Children may not attend school without
these forms on file.
4. Parental Consent Form – Complete, sign and date
5. Birth Certificate – All new students must provide a copy of their birth
certificate
6. Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) registration will be directed through the
Early Learning Coalition of Seminole. Heathrow Christian Academy at
Markham Woods Presbyterian Church will provide the information as soon
as possible. If you have questions regarding VPK, please contact Early
Learning Coalition of Seminole at the following:
Contact Name: Early Learning Coalition of Seminole
Coalition Address: 280 Hunt Park Cove, Longwood FL, 32750
Coalition Main Phone Number: 407-960-2460
Coalition (web address): www.seminoleearlylearning.org
18You can also read
